Navigate:

Landing the FAA's top job

Deborah Hersman has been mentioned for her strong safety record. | AP Photo

She has also played a key role in several major aviation safety investigations, including the fatal crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo, N.Y. That commuter plane crash killed all 49 on board — in addition to one death on the ground . Some of the agency’s subsequent recommendations made it into a pilot safety measure that sailed through Congress in 2010.

If she becomes FAA administrator, the loss of her star power could decrease the NTSB’s visibility — and there may be something bigger out there for her, anyway. Hersman has been mentioned as an option to replace Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood when he steps down after Obama’s first term.

Text Size

-

+

reset

Michael Huerta

Huerta is the safe pick within the aviation community, should Obama decide to name a permanent replacement. Huerta has already won the support of many on Capitol Hill — nobody even asked for a roll call vote on his nomination for deputy administrator when it hit the Senate floor.

He also has a fan in Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Finance Committee ranking member, who knows Huerta from his work during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

“He’s a fine man. I was aware of his experience, and he’s a fine man,” Hatch told POLITICO recently. “If the president nominates him, I’d be in support of it.”

Picking Huerta would not signify any particular bold stroke by the administration, as questions remain on whether his laid-back public persona is what the agency needs right now. The flip side of that is that he may be a good selection for morale within the FAA: Staffers would be happy to see the elevation of one of their own, and his work on NextGen showcases his embrace of the wonky details.

Duane Woerth

Woerth, a pilot, has been in aviation his whole life. And he was reportedly on Obama’s short list for FAA chief back in 2009.

Woerth has served on the boards of directors for several major airlines, and soon after Sept. 11, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta named him to the Rapid Response Team for Aircraft Security. The Nebraska native also co-chaired the Next Generation Air Transportation System Executive Council, a private-sector group that worked with the DOT and FAA on a plan to modernize the national airspace system.

Woerth has strong union ties, acting as head of the Air Line Pilots Association from 1999 to 2006 — the same organization that Babbitt once helmed. Republicans could make a fuss about Woerth’s labor ties, especially if large unions support him.

He currently serves as U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a U.N. body that oversees international aviation agreements and disputes.

Putting Blakey back into the FAA would be the death of aviation, her inability to pass the private pilot written test ( not 1, twice, third time,... nope it took 4 times to pass the basic aviation test) and you want her to lead. Thanks but no thanks.

Ms Hersman wouldnt be a good fit in the FAA, she is use to getting things done, not kiss the rear ends of Airline Managements union ATA and RAA. She is doing a great job at the NTSB, leave her there.

Capt Woerth: Thanks but lived thru his divisive leadership, and the decline of the the piloting career, he was lucky to be given the ICAO spot. Be happy you were gifted with that seat.

Many ALPA leaders would be a great fit for the FAA, Capt Prater, Capt Rice, Capt Kay. But unfortunately the Repubs dont want safety- See COLGAN Airlines Safety Award...not.

Put a pilot/leader/Capt in charge of aviation, you will see safety and security done the right way without the political dancing that has been done over the last 20 years.